Since the Rangers acquired Rick Nash in July, John Tortorella has expressed excitement about getting to know and coaching Rick Nash.

Tortorella continued earlier this week by talking about how the Rangers and Nash have found each other at the right time, “I think he is at a point of his career where this is the next step in his game. He comes to a bigger market, more pressure put on him, tries to find his way to produce in the playoffs. I think we have him at a perfect time, perfect age. He was a hell of a player in Columbus. This is a different stage right now. I think this is perfect timing for Nash and the Ranger organization to have him here.”

Over the weekend, Tortorella added “I watched him so much from afar while he is playing for other teams, I have seen him in international hockey, he’s a hell of a player. I like way he uses his body.”

When asked by the NY Post about Tortorella, Nash responded “everything I’ve heard is he’s passionate, he’s intense, he’s honest, he’s gonna tell you if you’re playing well, if you’re not playing well. And as a player, that’s all you can ask. He’s gonna motivate you. He’s gonna get you going. I heard he’s a tough guy to play for, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”